Sharmila
Meaningshy · Sanskrit
Sharmila is an Indian girl name meaning “shy”, with Sanskrit roots. Sanskrit names are rich in meaning, often drawn from nature, virtues or Hindu tradition. A meaning like this gives a child something to grow into, and a good story to tell when someone asks about their name. It sounds flowing and melodic, it's a longer name that leaves plenty of room for nicknames, and it pairs well with a short middle name.
Did you know?
- Hidden namesLook closely: Sharmila has the name Mila hiding inside it.
- Scrabble scoreIf names were allowed in Scrabble, Sharmila would score 13 points, thanks largely to the H (worth 4).
- GenerationSharmila peaked in 1977, which makes it a Gen X name. The typical Sharmila you'd meet today is about 48 years old.
- HistorySharmila first shows up in US birth records in 1967, the first year at least 5 babies got it. It has been in use for 58 years since.
US births per million girls, 1967–2025
Similar names
Save adds it to your list. Vote moves it up the top voted names.
Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).
About the name Sharmila
Sharmila is a girl name of Indian origin meaning “shy”. With 3 syllables it has a flowing, lyrical sound, and plenty of room for a nickname, so a short middle name balances it nicely. It hit its peak in the 1970s, so it feels familiar without being trendy. It's rarely heard today, so it stands out while still being a real, established name.
Origin:Indian names
More Indian girl names
- Girl name: Maya · illusion
- Girl name: Lyla · night
- Unisex name: Arya · noble
- Girl name: Kali · black
- Girl name: Serena · calm, serene
- Girl name: Mira · wonderful
- Girl name: Amber · amber resin
- Unisex name: Veda · knowledge
Questions about the name Sharmila
What does the name Sharmila mean?
Sharmila means “shy” and comes from Sanskrit.
What is the origin of the name Sharmila?
Sharmila is Indian in origin, and its meaning traces back to Sanskrit. Other Indian names to consider are Maya (“illusion”), Lyla (“night”), Arya (“noble”) and Kali (“black”).
Is Sharmila a boy or girl name?
Sharmila is a girl name.
How popular is the name Sharmila?
Sharmila is rare: fewer than 5 US girls got it in 2025, and it was last given to 5 or more in 1998. It peaked at #3,612 in 1977, so it's a name with history that few kids share today.
What should I know before naming my baby Sharmila?
Sharmila is an Indian girl name meaning “shy”, with Sanskrit roots. Sanskrit names are rich in meaning, often drawn from nature, virtues or Hindu tradition. A meaning like this gives a child something to grow into, and a good story to tell when someone asks about their name. It sounds flowing and melodic, it's a longer name that leaves plenty of room for nicknames, and it pairs well with a short middle name. Say it out loud with your last name and any middle names you're considering, and check the initials it makes.